BPASA Heads to the 2026 RAA Bay to Birdwood

Bus owners line up for a photo at the RAA Bay to Birdwood 2026

Sunday the 18th of October saw members of the Bus Preservation Association of South Australia (BPASA) head out for one of South Australia’s biggest motoring events, the annual RAA Bay to Birdwood! With an early start, plenty of vehicles to see and a trip out to the Adelaide Hills, it was a fantastic opportunity for our members to get together and enjoy a day surrounded by motoring history.

Our day started bright and early at Harbour Town, where members gathered before making our way across to Barrett Reserve at West Beach. There was plenty to organise before the morning got underway, with everyone arriving, catching up and getting ready for the drive ahead. After a quick briefing to go over the plans for the morning, we were ready to make our way to the starting area and join the excitement building around this year’s event.

At approximately 8:40 am, it was time to hit the road and begin our journey to Birdwood!

Joining the Bay to Birdwood is always a great way to experience South Australia’s motoring heritage, with vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages coming together for the annual event. From the moment we set off, there was plenty to take in along the way as we travelled towards the Adelaide Hills alongside fellow motoring enthusiasts. The atmosphere surrounding the event is what makes it so special, bringing together people with a shared interest in preserving, maintaining and enjoying vehicles from years gone by.

After a morning on the road, we arrived in Birdwood at approximately 11:00 am. By this stage, the town was well and truly alive with activity, with visitors and enthusiasts gathering to admire the impressive range of vehicles taking part in the event. With so much happening throughout Birdwood, it was time for our members to head off, have a look around and make the most of the day.

Members spent the next part of the morning and early afternoon exploring the event, checking out the vehicles on display and enjoying the atmosphere around town. Events like Bay to Birdwood offer something a little different around every corner, and there was plenty of opportunity to appreciate the variety of vehicles and the history behind them. It was also a great chance for members to catch up, share their interests and enjoy a day out with others who appreciate South Australia's transport and motoring heritage.

Bus Owner Matt. T stands proudly next to Volvo B58H 1466

Of course, a visit to Birdwood would not be complete without stopping in at Lovells Bakery! After a busy morning and plenty of walking around, members made their way over to the bakery to grab some lunch. It was a welcome opportunity to sit down, have something to eat and enjoy a well deserved break before continuing to explore the town and take in the rest of the day's activities.

With lunch sorted, there was still plenty of time to enjoy Birdwood and soak up the atmosphere of the event. Whether it was looking at the vehicles, wandering through town or simply enjoying the company of fellow members, the day was a reminder of just how enjoyable these events can be. While BPASA's focus is on preserving South Australia's bus history, being part of events such as Bay to Birdwood gives our members the chance to appreciate the wider world of historic transport and connect with others who share that same passion for keeping history alive.

Most importantly, it was a great opportunity for BPASA members to get together outside our usual activities and enjoy something a little different. From the early morning meeting at Harbour Town to the drive out to Birdwood, exploring the event and stopping for lunch at Lovells Bakery, the day was filled with good company, plenty to see and a shared appreciation for South Australia's motoring heritage.

A big thank you to all our members who came along and made the day such an enjoyable one. We look forward to seeing everyone out and about again at future events as we continue to celebrate and preserve South Australia's transport heritage!

Bus Owner Joseph. B stands proudly next to MAN 11.190 120